[Changing trends of HIV testing and HIV self-testing in men who have sex with men on a gay social networking app].

Objective: To understand the changing trends of HIV testing rates, with a focus on HIV self-testing, and to evaluate the impact of HIV self-testing on expanding HIV testing among MSM in China in past few years. Methods: MSM were recruited online nationwide via a gay social networking app (Blued) from 2013 to 2016 and 2018. The survey collected information about socio-demographic backgrounds, sexual behaviors, and prior HIV testing experiences, including HIV self-testing. Trend analyses were conducted. Results: Respectively, 1 342, 1 424, 1 173, 2 105 and 699 MSM were recruited nationwide from 2013 to 2016, and in 2018. The mean age was (30.6±6.6)years in 2013 and showed a decreasing trend afterwards. The HIV testing rate was 60.0% (805/1 342) in 2013 and there was a rising trend from 2013 to 2016, and 2018 (trend Z =19.3, P <0.001), reaching a peak at 77.3% (540/699) in 2018. Further, the HIV self-testing rate increased from 19.3% (259/1 342) in 2013 to 58.1% (406/699) in 2018 (χ2=237.5, P <0.001). The proportion of MSM who had HIV self-testing among prior HIV testers significantly increased from 32.2% (259/805) to 75.2% (406/540) during the study period (trend Z =14.3, P <0.001). Conclusions: The HIV testing rate, HIV self-testing rate and proportion of men who had HIV self-testing among former HIV testers among web-based Chinese MSM showed substantial increases from 2013 to 2016,and 2018. This suggests that HIV self-testing may have a significant effect on the expansion of HIV testing coverage in MSM, and has important public health implications for HIV/AIDS prevention in China.

[Evaluating the effectiveness of HIV/syphilis joint self-testing in promoting syphilis testing among men who have sex with men].

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of HIV/syphilis joint self-testing in promoting syphilis testing among men who have sex with men (MSM). Methods: In July 2019, the research participants were recruited through the Danlan website (https://www.danlan.org). Participants who met the selection criteria, and were randomly assigned into one of the three study groups (1∶1∶1) including HIV/syphilis joint self-testing group and lottery incentive self-testing group and control group. Self-test reagents were mailed to HIV/syphilis joint self-testing group and lottery incentive self-testing group, and the subjects in control group were encouraged to go to offline locations for testing. One month later, follow-up was conducted to evaluate the differences in the testing rates of syphilis among the three groups. Results: A total of 145 subjects were included in this study, including 48 in control group, 49 in HIV/syphilis joint self-testing group and 48 in lottery incentive self-testing group. During the follow-up period, the self-testing rate of syphilis was 74.4% (32/43) in HIV/syphilis joint self-testing group, 70.0% (28/40) in lottery incentive self-testing group and 36.4% (16/44) in control group. Multivariate logistic analysis revealed that the proportions of syphilis testing in HIV/syphilis joint self-testing group and lottery incentive self-testing group were 5.38 (95%CI: 2.06-14.04) times and 4.54 (95% CI: 1.75-11.74) times higher than that in control group during the follow-up period. Conclusions: HIV/syphilis joint self-testing and lottery-incentives-prompted self-testing significantly increased the testing rate of syphilis in MSM, respectively. HIV/syphilis joint self-testing is feasible for promotion.

[Status quo and characteristic analysis among MSM-users of the "Internet Plus-based AIDS Comprehensive Prevention Service System" in Guangzhou].

Objective: To analyze the characteristics of the "Interner Plus-based AIDS Comprehensive Prevention Service System" among MSM who frequently using the Internet in Guangzhou. Methods: An online survey was conducted among MSM who were recruited through gay-website portals between August and September, 2018 in Guangzhou, to collect information regarding the use of and attitudes on the "Interner Plus-based AIDS Comprehensive Prevention Service System" . Logistic regression was used to explore the association between the use of Internet intervention tools and related behavioral characteristics. Information on the awareness of AIDS, HIV testing, and condomless anal sex behavior were compared between the core or non-core services users. Results: A total of 777 Internet-based MSM were recruited as participants including 638 men (82.1%) as core service users. MSM were satisfied in using the the "Interner Plus-based AIDS Comprehensive Prevention Service System" while more than 80.0% of the users felt that the tools were helpful in: increasing the HIV awareness, promoting test uptake, and reducing those related risk behavior. Comparing with those who did not use the tools, the users showed higher rates in practising condomless anal intercourse (1.50-1.86 times), commercial sex with men (11.60-21.21 times), and unprotected vaginal intercourse (13.62-20.67 times), in the last 6 months. Proportions of core service users appeared as: [96.6% vs. 74.8%, aOR (95%CI): 8.80 (4.85-15.97)] on HIV testing, [56.4% vs. 22.3%, aOR (95%CI): 4.54 (2.94-7.02)] on regular HIV testing and [86.2% vs. 80.6%, aOR (95%CI): 1.75 (1.06-2.89)] on awareness of HIV knowledge respectively, which were all significantly higher than the non-core service users. Conclusions: The frequent Internet using MSM in Guangzhou claimed to have had high acceptance and satisfaction on the local Internet HIV intervention service tools. The "Internet Plus-based AIDS Comprehensive Prevention Service System" had effectively reached the high-risk subgroups of MSM, increasing the awareness on related risk and promoting testing on HIV.

[Characteristic analysis among MSM-users of the "Online HIV Acquisition Risk Assessment System" in Guangzhou].

Objective: To analyze the characteristics of levels related to the risk through self-evaluation system, among MSM users in Guangzhou, between 2015 and 2017. Methods: Between 2015 and 2017, data was collected from the users of a self-evaluation system network related to HIV infection, based on the previous 'HIV health risk appraisal model'. Information on risk factors was collected to calculate the scores and levels of risks and to estimate the incidence of HIV. Taking the reference of R value on risks as (R=0.9-1.1) in general population. The ones with very low risk, with low risk, moderate risk, high risk and very high risk were set as R≤0.5, 0.52.0, respectively. The scores of modifiable risk factors were compared with different subgroups of MSM. Results: A total of 4 601 MSM were involved in this study, with the following features presented as: aged 16-64 (28.38±7.11) years, proportions of residence from Guangzhou, Guangdong province or other provinces as 38.6%(1 776/4 601)、35.4%(1 629/4 601) and 26.0%(1 197/4 601), 59.6%(2 742/4 601) received bachelor or above degrees. 81.3%(3 741/4 601) of them claimed as having homosexual orientation. R values of risk level on very low risk, low risk level, moderate risk, high risk and very high risk appeared as 12.9%(594/4 601), 50.9%(2 342/4 601), 17.0%(783/4 601), 14.8%(682/4 601) and 4.3%(200/4 601), respectively. Scores of modifiable risk factors decreased year by year (P<0.05), among MSM in this study. In either of the groups that experiencing insertive or receptive sex, the ones with heterosexual orientation presented the highest scores of modifiable risk factors (P<0.05). Conclusions: The risk levels on HIV infections called for special attention among the users of the self-evaluation network system. Among the MSM that carrying either insertive or receptive sex role, the ones with heterosexual orientation had the highest risk levels and scores of modifiable risk factors in Guangzhou. Further study should be explored to better understand the causes of related risks.

[Applicability and feasibility of "Lingnanzhun" -an "Internet Plus-based HIV Self-testing Tool" targeting MSM in Guangzhou].

Objective: This article was to evaluate the applicability and feasibility of "Lingnanzhun" -an "Internet Plus-based HIV Self-testing Tool" targeting MSM in Guangzhou. Hopefully, the results could be used to improve the existing HIV testing services and to support the implementation and scale-up of HIV self-testing programs. Methods: Data were collected from a survey on HIV testing preferences among the Internet-using MSM in April to June, 2015. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were applied to identify factors associated with the use of HIV self-testing service provided by Lingnanzhun. Information related to the users of Lingnanzhun during September 2014 and December 2018 was also collected. Results: 769 MSM were recruited as participants. Of them, age distribution was 16-77(28.6±6.8) years old, 88.3%(679/769) were unmarried, 42.2%(325/769) were registered residents of Guangzhou, 82.1%(631/769) had university or college education. Among them, 195 (25.4%) used the HIV self- testing program of Lingnanzhun while 574 (74.6%) using the clinic service. Compared with the clinic service users, the Lingnanzhun users showed the following characteristics: longer experience in the MSM community ≥10 years (32.8% vs. 20.9%, 64/195 vs. 120/574); having male casual sexual partners ≥2 (42.1% vs. 29.6%, 82/195 vs. 170/574); having group sex (6.2% vs. 2.6%, 12/195 vs. 15/574) and having commercial sex with men (13.8% vs. 3.0%, 27/195 vs. 17/574). Data from the Lingnanzhun users showed that a total of 3 000 users had practised 5 038 times of self HIV-testings. 11.4% (343/3 000) of the Lingnanzhun users had never been tested. Conclusions: It was applicable and feasible to provide Internet-based HIV self-testing service to MSM as a significant complement to the traditional facility-based HIV testing services. It was also useful in accessing those who were having higher risk or had never received HIV testing so as to increase the testing uptake and the frequency.

[Effectiveness of the "Internet Plus-based AIDS Comprehensive Prevention Service System" among MSM in Guangzhou].

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of the "Internet Plus-based AIDS Comprehensive Prevention Service System" among men who have sex with men in Guangzhou. Methods: Data through case-reporting and follow-up programs on MSM HIV/AIDS in Guangzhou was collected from the China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention, which including those from the referral and follow-up treatment compliance programs in 2008-2014 (pre-treatment) and 2017-2018 (post-treatment). According to the types of care services, three groups were set as: with "Internet Plus" service, with 'HIV counseling/testing service' or with 'routine medical service'. General Estimating Equation (GEE) was used to analyze the follow up situation of HIV/AIDS cases, annually. Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to analyze the proportions of treatment referral, within the 30 days of diagnosis. Results: Before the implementation of immediate treatment after HIV diagnosis, 90.6% (707/780) of the HIV/AIDS cases received the first follow up program including the CD(4)(+) T cells counts (CD(4)) test service within 90 days of diagnosis, in the "Internet Plus-based HIV/AIDS care service" group presented 1.19 times (95%CI: 1.14-1.25) of the routine medical service group. The implementation of immediate treatment after HIV diagnosis, compared with the routine medical service group, the "Internet Plus" service group presented 1.71 times (95%CI: 1.03- 2.83) more treatment referrals within the 30 days of diagnosis, when the first testing CD(4) was ≤200 cells/µl. Compared with the routine medical service group, the HIV counseling and testing service group showed 1.37 times (95%CI: 1.20-1.56) more of the treatment referrals within the 30 days of HIV diagnosis, after the first testing CD(4) counts as >200 cells/µl. Conclusion: Standardized care and follow-up service should be promoted as soon as the referral and treatment programs were set after the diagnosis was made, under the "Internet Plus-based AIDS Comprehensive Prevention Service System" for the MSM population, in Guangzhou.

[Prevention effectiveness of the "Internet Plus-based AIDS Comprehensive Prevention Service System" among MSM in Guangzhou: a dynamic model of infectious disease].

Objective: To evaluate the effect of the "Interner Plus-based AIDS Comprehensive Prevention Service System" among MSM in Guangzhou, during 2010-2017, using a dynamic compartmental model. Methods: A dynamic compartmental model was developed to describe the HIV situation among MSM in Guangzhou. This model was parameterized on data from published literature or surveillance programs from the Guangzhou CDC. The Matlab 7.0 software was used for coding and analysis on collected data. HIV prevalence was analyzed among MSM under the status quo data and estimated the impact by the "Internet Plus" AIDS prevention services project. Results: HIV prevalence would have increased to 22.75% in 2017, and the total number of new HIV infections would have been 11 038, from 2010 to 2017, using the data status quo. Under the Guangzhou "Internet Plus" AIDS prevention services project, the prevalence of HIV among MSM from 2010 to 2017 was estimated to be 8.44%, 9.68%, 10.65%, 11.34%, 11.73%, 11.83%, 11.71% and 11.43% in Guangzhou, which were similar to the surveillance data. The total number of new infections in the past 8 years under the "Internet Plus" scenario was estimated to be 4 009. The "Internet Plus" program would have prevented 7 029 (63.68%) new infections during 2010-2017 as compared to the number, status quo. Conclusions: The fitting result of dynamic compartmental model seemed more reasonable, which was applicable to predict HIV epidemic among MSM in Guangzhou, suggesting that the increase of HIV prevalence had been curbed since the "Internet Plus" project which was launched in 2010, and the "Interner Plus-based AIDS Comprehensive Prevention Service System" had achieved the purpose as planned, epidemiologically.

[Characteristics and influencing factors regarding social relations among men who have sex with men].

Objective: To study the characteristics of social relations and relative factors among MSM in Guangzhou. Methods: Data was collected through a cross-sectional study in Guangzhou from November 2016 to May 2017. Sample size was estimated and participants were recruited from the voluntary counseling and testing services (VCT) which were set for MSM population, by nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Social ties and demographic characteristics of the respondents and their sexual partners were analyzed through both Chi square test and generalized estimating equations (GEE). Results: A total of 1 073 MSM, together with their nominated 4 301 partners were successfully recruited and involved in this study. Age (OR=1.2, P=0.01) and non-internet based intercourse (OR=1.65, P<0.01) were easy to form close relation with strong ties. Compared with MSM traditional venues (chess and cards room, tea room bathhouse, club), general public venue (bars, KTV, parks, shopping malls, schools, restaurants) (OR=1.46-3.12, P<0.01) showed close relation with strong ties. Our finding showed that MSM at the age of 18-25 preferred to build weak ties with the older MSM, while the 26-30-year-olds and 31-40-year-olds prefer to establish weak ties with younger partners but the 41-50-year-olds preferred to develop weak ties with one that were ten years younger. Conclusions: Clusters were noticed in the MSM populations when grouping and making friends with ones at different age. Characteristics regarding the relationship between sexual partners in choosing venues and ways of dating were different. Targeted intervention programs need to be explored innovatively.

[Clinical observation on corneal transparency after small incision lenticule extraction surgery].

Objective: To evaluate the changes of corneal transparency over the 1-year period after small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) according to corneal Scheimpflug densitometry. Methods: Prospective cohort study. Fifty-five patients (100 eyes) with myopia (19 male and 36 female, aged 18 to 39 years with average of 24) who underwent SMILE and regular follow-up for at least 1 year at Tianjin Eye Hospital were enrolled. Examinations took place before SMILE and postoperatively at 1 day, 1 week, and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. The preoperative spherical equivalent of surgical refractive correction was (-5.75±1.64) D. Corneal densitometry (CD) data were calculated automatically by the Pentacam Scheimpflug system and expressed in gray scale units (GSU), from 0 (completely transparent) to 100 (completely opaque). During the analysis of corneal densitometry, the average corneal optical density of three concentric radial zones centered on the apex of the cornea ≤2 mm, >2 mm and ≤6 mm, >6 mm and ≤10 mm diameter) were applied, and three layers were defined according to different corneal depths (the anterior 120 µm as 1st layer, and the posterior 60 µm as 3rd layer, and the center part between them of the cornea as 2nd layer). The automatic release mode was applied in order to avoid operator-induced errors. The preoperative and postoperative values in different corneal layers and different concentric radial zones were compared using Kruskal-Wallis. Results: Ninty-three eyes(93%) of all eyes achieved uncorrected distance visual acuity (UCVA) of 0.8 or better on the first day postoperatively, and 96% (96 of 100 eyes) achieved UCVA of 0.8 or better in the first week postoperatevely, and all eyes 100% (100 of 100 eyes) achieved UCVA 0.8 or better until the end of our follow-up (in 1 year postoperatively). In general, the difference preoperative and postoperative corneal average optical density is of no statistical significance (χ(2)=8.446, P=0.207), specifically, the overall postoperative CD increased in the first week after surgery (1 day to 15.90, 1 week to 15.65), and then decreased to the equivalent of baseline levels and maintained such level until 6 months after surgery (1 month to 15.60; 3 month to 15.50, 6 month to 15.55), though at the 12-month follow-up, densitometry values had spiked significantly again (12 month, 15.90). The difference between the preoperative and postoperative CD values in the central two zones (≤2 mm, >2 mm and ≤6 mm), but not the outer (>6 mm and ≤10 mm), were of statistical significance (χ(2)=61.961, 52.397, P<0.000). When subdivided by corneal layer, significant changes in CD were detected in the anterior 120 µm layer (χ(2)=27.774, P<0.000). The CD increased significantly (i.e., corneal transparency decreased) as compared to the preoperative baseline on the first postoperative day, and lasted through the first week. There were no significant changes in the CD of the central layer (χ(2)=0.918, P=0.986). Significant increases in the posterior 60 µm of the cornea after surgery were found only at the 6-month and 1-year follow-up examinations (χ(2)=17.469, P=0.008). No correlation was found in the preoperative refractive error, ablation depth, postoperative UCVA and the CD. The CD at 6 months was found negatively correlated with SE at 6 months (r=-0.219, P=0.028). Conclusions: SMILE reduced corneal transparency temporarily and primarily within the surgically altered area, however such change has no significant correlation with the ablation depth, SE, and the postoperative UCVA. Transparency recovered within a month, but patients should be monitored for at least 1 year. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2018, 54: 27-32).

[Characteristic and dynamic of HIV-1 subtype distribution in men who have sex with men in Guangzhou, 2008-2015].

Objective: To understand the characteristics and dynamic of HIV-1 subtype distribution in men who have sex with men (MSM) in Guangzhou between 2008 and 2015. Methods: HIV-1 RNAs were extracted from serum samples of the individuals newly diagnosed with HIV-1 infection among MSM living in Guangzhou between 2008 and 2015. The pol gene segments of HIV-1 genome from these RNA samples were amplified by nested reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (nested-PCR) and were sequenced. Subsequently, the phylogenetic tree was reconstructed using pol sequences of samples and references together and the subtype of HIV-1 was determined. The distributions of HIV-1 subtypes detected in MSM with different demographic characteristics in different years were compared. Results: A total of 2 210 pol gene segments were successfully obtained from 2 473 serum samples of the MSM. The average age of 2 210 MSM was 30.19 years with standard deviation of 8.22 years, the unmarried MSM and those in Han ethnic group accounted for 73.39% and 90.81%, respectively. The proportion of subtype CRF07_BC (38.10%) was highest, followed by CRF01_AE (34.84%), CRF55_01B (14.62%), B (6.06%), URFs (3.58%), CRF59_01B (2.17%) and other subtypes (0.63%). The annual proportions of subtype B (P=0.000, 99%CI:0.000-0.000), CRF07_BC (χ(2)=14.965, P=0.036), CRF55_01B (χ(2)=18.161, P=0.011) and URFs (P=0.001, 99% CI: 0.000-0.001) were significantly different. The proportion of subtype B showed a gradual decrease from 14.08% to 4.33% (P=0.000, 99%CI: 0.000-0.000), while the proportion of URFs rapidly increased from 0% to 6.40% (P=0.000, 99% CI: 0.000-0.000). The rate of URFs was significantly higher in farmers and migrant workers than in other groups (P=0.017, 99%CI: 0.014- 0.020) and the rate of URFs was higher in individuals who had multi sexual partners (χ(2)=5.733, P=0.017). Conclusions: CRF07_BC and CRF01_AE were the predominant HIV-1 subtypes and multiple subtypes co-circulated among MSM in Guangzhou between 2008 and 2015. The recombinations of HIV-1 continue to occur in MSM. Strengthening behavioral intervention for farmers, migrant workers and individuals who have multi sexual partners has the important epidemiological significance against the emerging and circulating of the novel recombinant virus among MSM in Guangzhou.

[Predictors of rush popper use among 825 men who have sex with men in education in Guangdong Province].

Objective: To explore prevalence and predictors of the use of Rush poppers among men who have sex with men in education in Guangdong Province. Methods: An internet survey was conducted via a gay website from March to August 2014 and a sample of 833 male respondents over 16 years who had ever had anal sex with a male, studied in Guangdong Province and who had completed an online questionnaire was identified- of which 93.4% (n=825) provided valid responses and were included in the study. Respondents provided information on their socio-demographic characteristics, HIV testing history, sexual activity in last 3 months, Rush poppers use and time since first sexual encounter with a male. We used the Chi-squared test and multivariate logistic regression modeling to identify the predictors of Rush poppers use in this population group. Results: Among our sample of 825 MSM, whose ages ranged from 21-27 years, 14.8% (n=122) reported having used Rush poppers in the past 3 months. Rates of use were higher among those who had ever been tested for HIV (16.7% vs. 10.9%, χ2=4.80, P=0.028), had anal intercourse in the last 3 months (16.8% vs. 10.7%, χ2=5.48, P=0.019), had multiple sexual partners in the past 3 months (19.3% vs. 13.1%, χ2=5.14, P=0.023), had a casual partner (18.0% vs. 12.1%, χ2=5.68, P= 0.017) or had a sexually transmitted infection (23.4% vs. 14.0%, χ2=4.85, P=0.028). Those who reported having had their first sexual encounter with another male over 5 years prior had higher rates of use (18.0%) than for those who had been sexually active ≤1 year (10.7%) or 2-4 years (12.5%, χ2=6.41, P=0.041). HIV testing (OR: 1.70, 95% CI: 1.07-2.70), having a casual partner (OR: 1.67, 95% CI: 1.12-2.50) and being sexually active with other males for over 5 years (OR: 1.87, 95%CI: 1.05-3.31) were significantly associated with Rush poppers use. Conclusion: A large proportion of student MSM in Guangdong Province used Rush poppers. Proxy measures of sexual activity such as HIV testing, recent casual sexual encounters and duration of sexual activity were associated with their use.

[Application of " Internet Plus" AIDS prevention services among men who have sex with men in Guangzhou, China: results from 2010 to 2015].

Objective: To introduce the development strategy of " Internet Plus" AIDS prevention services and its implementation results from 2010 to 2015 in Guangzhou, China. Methods: A gay men's health column was created for an active website aimed at men who have sex with men(MSM), in collaboration with local community organizations and the Guangzhou CDC. We designed intervention tools(including scenario-based applications and HIV risk self-assessment systems)and an online HIV testing service platform, integrated with applied psychology and behavioral theory as well as the " Internet Plus" concept, to intervene in HIV infection risk factors among MSM. Data of clients who accessed the " Internet Plus" AIDS services from 2010 to 2015 were used to evaluate service operation. Six-year consecutive surveys, conducted between April and July of each service year, were collected using a national AIDS sentinel surveillance questionnaire. For each year of surveillance, information on HIV prevalence, HIV interventions received during the past year, unprotected anal intercourse in the past 6 months, and HIV testing in the past year were compared using the chi-squared(χ2)test, to roughly reflect the effect of"Internet Plus" AIDS prevention services. Results: As of 31 December 2015, a total of 34 395 MSM had received " Internet Plus" services and HIV testing. The number of MSM tested increased from 2 338 in 2010 to 8 054 in 2015. From 2010 to 2015, newly identified HIV cases in each year were 59, 166, 312, 283, 291, and 270, which accounted for 25.0%, 32.8%, 38.8%, 35.1%, 30.5%, and 23.2% of MSM HIV cases of Guangzhou, respectively. Sentinel surveillance data showed that during the study period, 3 047 MSM were investigated, with 405, 400, 401, 633, 608, and 600 each year, respectively. The proportion of participants who had received any HIV intervention during the past year was 74.3%(301), 70.8%(283), 83.3%(334), 85.0%(538), 69.1%(420), and 83.8%(503)each year, respectively(trend χ2=6.53, P=0.011). HIV testing done during the past year accounted for 44.0%(178), 44.3%(177), 49.4%(198), 53.4%(338), 56.1%(341), and 60.2%(361)each year, respectively(trend χ2=40.83, P<0.001). Unprotected anal intercourse in the past 6 months accounted for 59.3%(240), 62.0%(248), 56.6%(227), 57.0%(361), 48.4%(294), and 43.7%(262)each year, respectively(trend χ2=42.21, P<0.001). Conclusion: The"Internet Plus"AIDS prevention services in this study represent a manner to enhance traditional HIV prevention strategies. We found these services to be effective in implementation of the national AIDS control and prevention strategy, especially for the expansion of intervention, testing, and case identification among high-risk populations.

Meta-analysis of the long term effects of different interventions on chronic total coronary occlusions.

BACKGROUND: Coronary chronic total occlusion (CTO) is the end stage of coronary artery atherosclerosis. CTO revascularization can be performed by percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), bare metal stent (BMS) or drug-eluting stent (DES). It is important to scientifically evaluate the effectiveness of CTO interventional treatments. METHODS: Relevant studies of long term outcomes for several kinds of CTO treatments were examined. Data were extracted and assessed by two independent clinical experts, pooled and analyzed using meta-analysis. RESULTS: (1) Totally 8 articles comparing outcomes between PTCA and BMS treatment were analyzed. Follow-up variables such as mortality, subsequent coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG), re-occlusion, re-stenosis and target lesion revascularization (TLR) were analyzed by meta-analysis. Compared with BMS intervention, PTCA was associated with significant higher rate of re-occlusion, re-stenosis, subsequent PTCA and TLR. (2) Totally 12 articles compared long term outcomes between BMS groups and DES groups, encompassed 3605 CTO patients. During the long-term follow-up, six variables as major adverse cardiac events (MACE), myocardial infarction, all-cause death, subsequent CABG, accumulated MACE-free survival rate, re-stenosis/re-occlusion rate were analyzed by meta-analysis. Compared with patients in DES groups, patients in BMS groups had significant higher MACE, subsequent CABG, re-stenosis/re-occlusion rate, TLR, target vessel revascularization, while lower MACE-free survival rate. CONCLUSIONS: Incidence of re-occlusion, re-stenosis, subsequent PTCA and TLR were significantly lower for BMS implantation than for PTCA procedure. Variables, including MACE, subsequent CABG, re-stenosis/re-occlusion rate were higher while accumulated MACE-free survival rate was lower in BMS groups than in DES groups.

Development of autonomous microrobotics in endoscopy.

With experience and training the colonoscope can be a very effective tool in the screening and diagnosis of colorectal cancer. However, the colonoscope most commonly used today has changed very little in the last three decades. It is not without its problems, including a risk of perforation and significant patient discomfort, especially associated with loop formation. Furthermore, loop formation may prevent a complete colonoscopy from being performed in certain patients. In order to avoid looping formation of the colonoscopy and develop a better colonoscope it is necessary to understand the generic principle that results in the looping phenomenon. Loop formation is caused by three factors including the natural characteristic of the colon, the flexible nature of the insertion tube and the impact of frictional force on deformation of intestinal walls and mesenteries. We scientifically analyse loop formation by Kirchhoff's slender rod model, and present a review of the state-of-the-art of technologies that are being promoted as a way to address the problems of the colonoscope.

Ultraviolet ZnO nanorod photosensors.

This study fabricates and characterizes ultraviolet (UV) photosensors with ZnO nanorods (NRs). The NR arrays were selectively grown in the gap between interdigitated (IDT) electrodes of devices using hydrothermal solution processes and a lithography-based technique. Compared with a conventional ZnO photosensor without NRs, the proposed UV NR photosensors have much higher photoresponse in the UV region. Additionally, the photoconductive gain of an NR photosensor increased as UV illumination time increased; it varied at 34.45-5.32 x 10(2) under illumination by 18.28 mW/cm(2) optical power. Consequently, the substantial photoconductive gain can be attributed to high surface-to-volume ratio of ZnO NRs. The high density of hole-trap states on NR surfaces lead to a persistent photoconductivity (PPC) state, promoting the transport of carriers through devices.

[Pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of clinafloxacin in rats].

AIM: To study the pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of clinafloxacin in rats. METHODS: The drug concentration was determined by HPLC. The main pharmacokinetic parameters were obtained by 3P87 program. An RP-C18 was used as the stationary phase. The mobile phase was a mixture of acetonitrile-0.05 mol.L-1 citric acid triethylamine (pH 2.5) (20:80). The flow rate was 1.0 mL.min-1. The UV absorbance detector was set at 300 nm. RESULTS: A good linearity was obtained from 0.03-20 micrograms.mL-1 of clinafloxacin in rat plasma with gamma = 0.9998. The plasma concentration--time curve of clinafloxacin conformed to one compartment open model. After ig administration of 50 mg.kg-1 and 100 mg.kg-1 dose of clinafloxacin in six rats, mean Cmax and AUC values increased in proportion to dose. Mean T1/2 appeared to be independent of dose. Mean AUC was 65 +/- 6 and 27 +/- 4 micrograms.h.mL-1 respectively after i.v. and ig administration of 100 mg.kg-1 dose. The extent of bioavailability (F) of clinafloxacin was 42%. CONCLUSION: The results of the pharmacokinetic study of clinafloxacin showed that it exhibited first order kinetic characteristics and the bioavailability is low.

[Determination of beta-phenyllactic acid in rat plasma by derivatization capillary gas chromatography (DCGC)].

The determination of beta-phenyllactic acid (PLA) in rat plasma by derivatization capillary gas chromatography is described. Quantitation was affected by 63Ni-electron capture detector after separation with a SE-54 quartz capillary chromatographic column. Calibration curves were linear within the range of 1.6-9.6 micrograms.ml-1. The limit of detection of PLA was considered to be 0.5 microgram.ml-1. PLA was extracted from plasma with ethyl acetate (rat plasma 0.1 ml). The recovery from plasma was high and the mean value was 98.11 +/- 3.81 (s)%, their within day and between day relative standard deviations were 5.13% and 5.99% respectively.

Glucose metabolism in mammalian cells as determined by mass isotopomer analysis.

A method using 13C isotopes and GCMS/SIM was developed and was used to study glucose metabolism in several mammalian cell lines. Using [U-13C6]glucose, the 13C isotopomer distributions in glucose, lactic acid, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, and gamma-aminobutyric acid produced by the cells were determined, and glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, and the flux into the amino acid pools were calculated. A 1:1 mixture of [U-13C6]glucose and [1-13C]glucose was used to examine the loss of 1-13C carbon from [1-13C]glucose via the pentose monophosphate pathway in the cells; this new method measures the production of [3-13C]lactic acid and [U-13C3]lactic acid, and thus avoids most systematic errors that result from the endogenous production of 12C-lactic acid during metabolic conversion; in addition, glycolysis and the recycling of glucose and lactic acid can be examined at the same time. The mass isotopomer analysis method is reproducible and sensitive, and can be used to analyze metabolites in 10(-7) M concentration with less than 10(5) cultured human cells. This method was used to examine metabolic regulation of glucose in fibroblasts, lymphoblasts, and PC12 cells under various conditions of metabolic disturbance. The method appears to have wide applicability for the study of metabolic regulation of glucose and metabolic defects in cells.

Effects of rifampicin on pharmacokinetics of isoniazid and its metabolite acetylhydrazine in rats.

After i.v. and i.p. injections of isoniazid (Iso) 40 mg.kg-1 to male Wistar rats, the plasma levels of Iso, acetylisoniazid (AcIso), and acetylhydrazine (AcHz) were determined by spectrophotometric method and gas chromatography. The results suggested that the pharmacokinetic behavior of Iso in rats belonged to a 2-compartment model. The plasma levels of AcHz in rifampicin (Rif 30 mg.kg-1)-pretreated rats were lowered vs the control (P < 0.05 or < 0.01). The T1/2 of AcHz was shortened by Rif (control group 3.3 h, Rif-pretreated group 1.4 h) after i.v. injection of AcHz 10 mg.kg-1 to rats and the results showed that AcHz was converted to its active metabolites quickly by increasing the oxidative elimination rate of AcHz, which is related to the higher incidence of liver necrosis caused by Iso and Rif in combination.